Description

This area is located just above the Lower Religion Wall. To access these climbs, ascend one of the Lower Religion Wall's fine routes. The standard approach route is Poop Chute. For route details please pick-up a copy of David Bloom's book "Castles in the Sand".

Getting There

Turn off Highway 179 onto Chapel Road heading east. Before reaching the gate and Chapel of the Holy Cross parking area, park in a pullout on the north side of the road. Walk through the chapel parking area and pick up a climbers trail on the eastern edge of the parking area.

Follow the climbers trail about 1/4 mile until it intersects with a wide, well maintained mountain bike trail. Follow the bike trail for another 50 to 100 yards until you are below the large roof that marks Castles in the Sand. At this point look for a wash to your left that cuts straight up towards the cliff. At the top of this wash there is a short 4th class cliff to scramble up. Once on top of this cliff walk to the right end and pick-up the trail again. From this point the trail heads more or less straight up to the cliff base. The Religion Wall is to the right of the Watchtower and the Church Wall is to the left.

Ascend one of the excellent routes on the Lower Religion Wall to access this area.

This is a new route that climbs a beautiful finger crack splitter that gradually transitions from tips to perfect fingers. The climbing is sustained 11+ with a 25 foot crux section. After the face crack it slowly transitions to the right where the dihedral opens up for the remainder of the climb. Enjoy!...[more]Browse More Classics in AZ